Buying a Thinkpad

[6000SUX]

The budget remark doesn't mean that I'm rich-- just that I never used to deny myself gadgets.

Hey. I'm going to law school in the fall, and thought it would be a nice excuse for a new laptop-- and luckily for convincing my better half, when we dragged out my old Dell Inspiron 8250 it had a cracked screen.

I'd like to get a Thinkpad if I can, because I had really good experiences with two of them in the past and because Dell recently lost my business forever.

I was shocked that a new dual-core T60 starts at only $1300 or thereabouts, but decently equipped I still come out in the $1800-2000 range (I will need a modular-bay battery). I did this by going to this page:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/education/index.html

Under "Students", I chose "Students & Alumni". Then using the part-number search on "T60" brings up this list of stuff:
screenshot
You can also configure one from scratch, but I'm not sure if that's different from their regular Web pricing.

Do you think these are good prices? Obviously I am not about to pull the trigger this instant, but I just don't know much about Lenovo or how their educational discounts compare to IBMs. I seem to remember some people getting half off of their Thinkpads before.

Do you think I could get a better deal by calling them, or some other way? Lastly, is there a better choice for a (preferably sub-$2000) notebook with longish battery life and great durability? I've always coveted the Fujitsu S series, but they're more expensive than ever.

Thanks a lot.

 

[WackyDan]

Nobody gets half off ThinkPads -least not legally though they had a st. patricks day themed sale and you could get some serious coin taken off some high end ThinkPads. Rule of thumb is the cheaper the thinkpad, the less margin available for them to discout off of.

Lenovo offers the same educational discount as they did as IBM. Nothing has really changed but the company name.

$400 off a roughly $2000 notebook isn't a bad deal at all considering it's the new T60. Also, why woory about the slim bay battery when you can just opt for the 9 cel?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Don't get the Ultra Slim Battery, its really a waste. I have one for my T42 and the stupid thing is that it drains that UltraSlim before the main battery; so how are you supposed to keep it in the computer and use it to change the main battery as suggested by Lenovo/IBM? You'd have to carry it separately and pop it in when necessary. The only upshot to it is that it does add 1-2 hours life depending on usage:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=74&part=full&page=11

Also, take a look at this thread I made which kind of summarizes the numerous discounts available; may or may not be better than what you got:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2101

Also, I've heard of good luck calling the 1-800# with your model number to "check the price." Tell them which discount program you were going to use, get the price for your model with options, and then kinda say, "Well, I like it but that's just a bit too much money. I might just have to wait for a better deal" or you can outright ask them if they can do anything better on that price. AFAIK, Lenovo phone sales reps are like they are for every other company, their job is based around individual sales performance!

GL and let us know what you find

 

[Busithoth]

This sounds like a good deal to me.
If you're not obsessed with getting a Core-duo model (some are), I saw this one for sale here.

but like I said, your setup doesn't seem bad at all, and if fbrdphreak is correct (I have no reason to doubt), a 9-cell battery would suit you much better. I've toyed with the idea of getting a slim drive battery, I just couldn't justify it.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: WackyDan
Nobody gets half off ThinkPads -least not legally though they had a st. patricks day themed sale and you could get some serious coin taken off some high end ThinkPads. Rule of thumb is the cheaper the thinkpad, the less margin available for them to discout off of.

Lenovo offers the same educational discount as they did as IBM. Nothing has really changed but the company name.

$400 off a roughly $2000 notebook isn't a bad deal at all considering it's the new T60. Also, why woory about the slim bay battery when you can just opt for the 9 cel?

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I want the bay battery to extend the battery life, whether I get the 6- or 9-cell main battery. I tend to think that I may throw the laptop in my backpack in a sleeve, and I'm not loving the way the 9-cell sticks out. I am sure I could get used to it, though.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Don't get the Ultra Slim Battery, its really a waste. I have one for my T42 and the stupid thing is that it drains that UltraSlim before the main battery; so how are you supposed to keep it in the computer and use it to change the main battery as suggested by Lenovo/IBM? You'd have to carry it separately and pop it in when necessary. The only upshot to it is that it does add 1-2 hours life depending on usage:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=74&part=full&page=11

Also, take a look at this thread I made which kind of summarizes the numerous discounts available; may or may not be better than what you got:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2101

Also, I've heard of good luck calling the 1-800# with your model number to "check the price." Tell them which discount program you were going to use, get the price for your model with options, and then kinda say, "Well, I like it but that's just a bit too much money. I might just have to wait for a better deal" or you can outright ask them if they can do anything better on that price. AFAIK, Lenovo phone sales reps are like they are for every other company, their job is based around individual sales performance!

GL and let us know what you find

MANY thanks for the thread. Killer info. I will definitely call them and let you guys know what I find out.

That is really kind of sucky about the mod-bay battery, especially considering that it probably has fewer charge/discharge cycles to start with. I mostly just want to extend the battery life a bit. I figure instead of lugging a useless CD drive every day, might as well lug a little extra battery life.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: Busithoth
This sounds like a good deal to me.
If you're not obsessed with getting a Core-duo model (some are), I saw this one for sale here.

but like I said, your setup doesn't seem bad at all, and if fbrdphreak is correct (I have no reason to doubt), a 9-cell battery would suit you much better. I've toyed with the idea of getting a slim drive battery, I just couldn't justify it.

Yeah, those batteries are pretty expensive for what you get. I still don't know how much legal stuff is available on CD, either-- might wanna use the drive bay for a second hard drive. I'm probably way overestimating what I need.

I will definitely give that T41p some serious thought in the next day or so. The price isn't bad at all. I kind of want something that's covered under warranty for at least the first couple of years, but I try not to pass up a great deal. The FireGL card, 7200 RPM HD, and 2GB RAM would keep me pretty happy.

 

[Busithoth]

Originally posted by: 6000SUX

Originally posted by: Busithoth
This sounds like a good deal to me.
If you're not obsessed with getting a Core-duo model (some are), I saw this one for sale here.

but like I said, your setup doesn't seem bad at all, and if fbrdphreak is correct (I have no reason to doubt), a 9-cell battery would suit you much better. I've toyed with the idea of getting a slim drive battery, I just couldn't justify it.

Yeah, those batteries are pretty expensive for what you get. I still don't know how much legal stuff is available on CD, either-- might wanna use the drive bay for a second hard drive. I'm probably way overestimating what I need.

I will definitely give that T41p some serious thought in the next day or so. The price isn't bad at all. I kind of want something that's covered under warranty for at least the first couple of years, but I try not to pass up a great deal. The FireGL card, 7200 RPM HD, and 2GB RAM would keep me pretty happy.

I'm using the ultrabay for a second HDD (mp3s are out of control).
stupidly easy to use. that FireGL runs DoD:S excellently for me, and that's enough to keep my gaming demons at bay.

 

[aceO07]

I got the X60s from costcentral.com for almost $200 less than the lenovo quoted price. You might want to check there to see if it'll saving you more than direct with discounts.

From the screenshot, Lenovo only has BIG savings on expensive laptops. For the lower priced models, the savings are less. Try costcentral, I noticed one of models on the screen shot was cheaper at costcentral.

 

[6000SUX]

I submitted the order last night for a new Thinkpad T60, on sale for $700 off. In the end, the wife talked me out of the T60p, since the only real differences between machines were

T60 vs. T60p
------------------
2GHz Core Duo vs. 2.13 GHz Core Duo
x1400 vs. x1600
100GB 5400RPM vs. 100GB 7200RPM

and the cost difference was around $600.

The final configuration was the base configuration (200763U) plus the free 512MB extra RAM, an extra UltraBay battery, 3 years onsite service, an extra 90W power adapter, and a sleeve. It came to around $2200. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get the T60p, but I figure that we're going to get another laptop in a year or so anyway (my wife's old Inspiron 300M is probably good for another year or so of mild use, note-taking and such).

The estimated ship date is 5/12. Now to sit and wait...

P.S. I tried calling and talking to a rep, tried asking about the MasterCard discount, educational programs, etc. No dice-- the rep said that he had no leeway because the current sale is already so good.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Sounds like a reasonable deal. $2200 for that machine is pretty decent; I assume you got the 9-cell main battery?

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Sounds like a reasonable deal. $2200 for that machine is pretty decent; I assume you got the 9-cell main battery?

No, I got the 6-cell. This actually can't be changed, they way they set up their base systems. My original intention (no matter which model I bought) was to wind up with all three: 9-cell, 6-cell, and modular-bay battery. My wife convinced me to not add on the 9-cell until we really need it, which seems to make sense.

I actually prefer the 6-cell because I have to slide this sucker into a sleeve and take it with me in a backpack. In addition, my school has a cool little popup on every desk that has network jacks and power outlets built in. I figure that the 6-cell and modular battery will probably give me at LEAST 4.5 hours per charge under moderate use if I set it up properly, and it's going to be plugged in a lot of the time anyway.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: 6000SUX

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Sounds like a reasonable deal. $2200 for that machine is pretty decent; I assume you got the 9-cell main battery?

No, I got the 6-cell. This actually can't be changed, they way they set up their base systems. My original intention (no matter which model I bought) was to wind up with all three: 9-cell, 6-cell, and modular-bay battery. My wife convinced me to not add on the 9-cell until we really need it, which seems to make sense.

I actually prefer the 6-cell because I have to slide this sucker into a sleeve and take it with me in a backpack. In addition, my school has a cool little popup on every desk that has network jacks and power outlets built in. I figure that the 6-cell and modular battery will probably give me at LEAST 4.5 hours per charge under moderate use if I set it up properly, and it's going to be plugged in a lot of the time anyway.

You did good.

I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Note- THe t60p has the V5200 ATI.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: WackyDan

Originally posted by: 6000SUX

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Sounds like a reasonable deal. $2200 for that machine is pretty decent; I assume you got the 9-cell main battery?

No, I got the 6-cell. This actually can't be changed, they way they set up their base systems. My original intention (no matter which model I bought) was to wind up with all three: 9-cell, 6-cell, and modular-bay battery. My wife convinced me to not add on the 9-cell until we really need it, which seems to make sense.

I actually prefer the 6-cell because I have to slide this sucker into a sleeve and take it with me in a backpack. In addition, my school has a cool little popup on every desk that has network jacks and power outlets built in. I figure that the 6-cell and modular battery will probably give me at LEAST 4.5 hours per charge under moderate use if I set it up properly, and it's going to be plugged in a lot of the time anyway.

You did good.

I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Note- THe t60p has the V5200 ATI.

Thanks a lot! Yep, I know that-- but I think the v5200 is the 1600 with different drivers.

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: 6000SUX
I submitted the order last night for a new Thinkpad T60, on sale for $700 off. In the end, the wife talked me out of the T60p, since the only real differences between machines were

T60 vs. T60p
------------------
2GHz Core Duo vs. 2.13 GHz Core Duo
x1400 vs. x1600
100GB 5400RPM vs. 100GB 7200RPM

and the cost difference was around $600.

The final configuration was the base configuration (200763U) plus the free 512MB extra RAM, an extra UltraBay battery, 3 years onsite service, an extra 90W power adapter, and a sleeve. It came to around $2200. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get the T60p, but I figure that we're going to get another laptop in a year or so anyway (my wife's old Inspiron 300M is probably good for another year or so of mild use, note-taking and such).

The estimated ship date is 5/12. Now to sit and wait...

P.S. I tried calling and talking to a rep, tried asking about the MasterCard discount, educational programs, etc. No dice-- the rep said that he had no leeway because the current sale is already so good.

Awesome machine! Let us know how you like it and how it compares to your old Inspiron 6000 I had an Inspiron 9200 that I almost upgraded to a T60p, but ended up getting a MacBook instead.

 

[mikeford]

Just my view, but seems like more than 2hrs of battery life isn't required 95% of the time. Its more a convenience thing of not having to dig out the PS and find the outlet etc.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: mikeford
Just my view, but seems like more than 2hrs of battery life isn't required 95% of the time. Its more a convenience thing of not having to dig out the PS and find the outlet etc.

I think it depends on the user. I wouldn't invest heavily in batteries for sitting around the house, but I will be using my laptop a lot at school. For sitting and carrying around the library (where I will not always be right next to an outlet), hanging out across the way in the mall (sort of a de facto meeting area for my school), etc. the battery will probably be handy. You also have to allow for battery degradation over time. My wife's Inspiron 300m got 2:30 with the standard battery when new, but three years later it barely gets an hour.

Another thing about battery life... if your battery is good enough, you may not need to carry the power supply at all. On some of my days with shorter classes, 5.5 hours of battery life may make this possible.

I dunno, maybe I'm still trying to justify the cost of my modular-bay battery, but I still think that more battery life is better. My dream would be to have an all-day battery; that's why I was looking hard at the Fujitsu S series.

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: AmigaMan

Originally posted by: 6000SUX
I submitted the order last night for a new Thinkpad T60, on sale for $700 off. In the end, the wife talked me out of the T60p, since the only real differences between machines were

T60 vs. T60p
------------------
2GHz Core Duo vs. 2.13 GHz Core Duo
x1400 vs. x1600
100GB 5400RPM vs. 100GB 7200RPM

and the cost difference was around $600.

The final configuration was the base configuration (200763U) plus the free 512MB extra RAM, an extra UltraBay battery, 3 years onsite service, an extra 90W power adapter, and a sleeve. It came to around $2200. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get the T60p, but I figure that we're going to get another laptop in a year or so anyway (my wife's old Inspiron 300M is probably good for another year or so of mild use, note-taking and such).

The estimated ship date is 5/12. Now to sit and wait...

P.S. I tried calling and talking to a rep, tried asking about the MasterCard discount, educational programs, etc. No dice-- the rep said that he had no leeway because the current sale is already so good.

Awesome machine! Let us know how you like it and how it compares to your old Inspiron 6000 I had an Inspiron 9200 that I almost upgraded to a T60p, but ended up getting a MacBook instead.

Thanks a lot! One of my friends at work has a new MacBook, and loves it to death. I never had an Inspiron 6000 (my handle is a random name from the movie "Robocop"), but I have had other Dells: 8100, 8250, a few others. I will post my feelings when I get it.

One thing I've been wondering about is the hard drive. I have an extra Hitachi 7K60 drive lying around, an upgrade I used in my cracked-screen Inspiron. Would it work in my Thinkpad? (This seemingly stupid question is prompted by something I read on another website, about Thinkpads giving error messages if they detect non-approved hard drives. Maybe I'm gullible. The other site said that Thinkpad hard drives have special firmware installed.) If you had to choose, and you were into digital photography (with RAW files around ten megs and up per shot) and music, which would you choose: a 100GB 5400 RPM drive, or 60GB 7200 RPM?

 

[BUrassler]

Originally posted by: 6000SUX

Originally posted by: AmigaMan

Originally posted by: 6000SUX
I submitted the order last night for a new Thinkpad T60, on sale for $700 off. In the end, the wife talked me out of the T60p, since the only real differences between machines were

T60 vs. T60p
------------------
2GHz Core Duo vs. 2.13 GHz Core Duo
x1400 vs. x1600
100GB 5400RPM vs. 100GB 7200RPM

and the cost difference was around $600.

The final configuration was the base configuration (200763U) plus the free 512MB extra RAM, an extra UltraBay battery, 3 years onsite service, an extra 90W power adapter, and a sleeve. It came to around $2200. I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get the T60p, but I figure that we're going to get another laptop in a year or so anyway (my wife's old Inspiron 300M is probably good for another year or so of mild use, note-taking and such).

The estimated ship date is 5/12. Now to sit and wait...

P.S. I tried calling and talking to a rep, tried asking about the MasterCard discount, educational programs, etc. No dice-- the rep said that he had no leeway because the current sale is already so good.

Awesome machine! Let us know how you like it and how it compares to your old Inspiron 6000 I had an Inspiron 9200 that I almost upgraded to a T60p, but ended up getting a MacBook instead.

Thanks a lot! One of my friends at work has a new MacBook, and loves it to death. I never had an Inspiron 6000 (my handle is a random name from the movie "Robocop"), but I have had other Dells: 8100, 8250, a few others. I will post my feelings when I get it.

One thing I've been wondering about is the hard drive. I have an extra Hitachi 7K60 drive lying around, an upgrade I used in my cracked-screen Inspiron. Would it work in my Thinkpad? (This seemingly stupid question is prompted by something I read on another website, about Thinkpads giving error messages if they detect non-approved hard drives. Maybe I'm gullible. The other site said that Thinkpad hard drives have special firmware installed.) If you had to choose, and you were into digital photography (with RAW files around ten megs and up per shot) and music, which would you choose: a 100GB 5400 RPM drive, or 60GB 7200 RPM?

In your case, shooting RAW, I would stick with the extra space of the 100GB 5400RPM. I would like to hear about installling a new HD into a Thinkpad, if anyone has experience with that however!

 

[imported_mysbca]

You can't use the Hitachi 7K60 on the T60. The T60 uses SATA drives while the 7K60 is a PATA drive.

 

[fbrdphreak]

^^Correct, you need a 7K100 model which is available in SATA

Overall I'd choose a high capacity 5400RPM drive. The newer tech 5400RPM drives have very good performance and short of games and loading large apps, you probly won't notice a huge difference. Comprehensive 2.5" hdd benchmarks:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=104